Build a Nerf Dart Shooter

published

July 28, 2014

5 comments

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Here’s a DIY toy that is a whole lot of fun!

Turn PVC pipe into a super powerful Nerf dart shooter!

We have been having so much fun playing with these Nerf dart shooters. The darts fly so fast that the whistling ones make a really great whistling sound. I would recommend these for ages 5+ since they really pack some power, but if you’re shooting Nerf darts it is unlikely that anyone will get hurt.

To make one, you will need:

PVC pipe – any length you want, 3/4 inch diameter

A balloon

Scissors

Duct tape

Nerf darts

Drinking straws

Cut the neck off the balloon. Stretch it over the end of the PVC pipe (Aidan made this one with a PVC connector on the end, but it’s not necessary) and attach it to the pipe with duct tape.

It’s possible to just shoot the Nerf darts as is, but if you really want to get some impressive distance, stick a drinking straw inside the dart. You can attach the straw to the dart with more duct tape if desired. Aidan said to make sure I told you to be sure to insert the straw straight into the dart. He punctured a couple of darts by accidentally sticking the dart in at an angle.

To shoot, load your dart into the shooter:

Then pull back on the balloon and let go!

Then go fetch your dart that went over the fence… (Note the dog making sure he’s in on the action! You never know when you might find a bunny to chase out behind the fence!)

5 Comments

Sherri Dec 18, 2014

I'm trying to make some for my grandsons for Christmas and nothing happens when I pull back on the balloon. I'm using Zombie Strike Nerf Darts. HELP! Thanks.

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Sarah Dec 18, 2014

Did you stick a straw inside the dart? That helps them go much farther. If it's getting stuck there may be too much balloon on the bottom. Try pulling the balloon tighter before taping it. I hope it works out! Let me know!

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Sherri Dec 18, 2014

I'm trying to make some for my grandsons for Christmas and nothing happens when I pull back on the balloon. I'm using Zombie Strike Nerf Darts. HELP! Thanks.

The dart doesn't even move. I'm using 3/4" pipe. I also tried it with the 1/2" with no success. Could it be the darts?

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Erin Jan 12, 2015

When I was working, a couple teams at the office made blowguns for nerf darts. Literally, just the correct size of pvc pipe and the darts. My team actually didn't get involved, but we were seated between two of the teams that were involved, and I had the fortunate/unfortunate pleasure of being at a desk where the cube wall was shorter behind me than it was anywhere else, and it looked right into the cube farm of one of the teams that was involved in the office warfare. A few times a week, I would be sitting there working, and a nerf dart would whistle right past me and into the cube farm behind me.... It was a lot of fun, though!

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Mar Mar 22, 2015

Just a question about the nerf dart shooter before trying to make it with my grandson. When you pull back on the balloon to launch the dart, do you have ahold of the straw that's attached to the dart? Or do you pull on the balloon only? Thanks for the clarification.

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Toahero May 20, 2016

Just use the tube as a blowgun. With a bit of practice you can get a scary level of power and accuracy, for far less than the price of ordinary blasters.

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Brent Jun 4, 2016

You could add a T piece to this pipe, and connect a perpendicular piece of pipe to use as a handle, which might be easier to hold while pulling the balloon back.

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About Sarah

I'm mom to four boys and one little girl. Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls is a place to find fun activities that kids will LOVE! We specialize in LEGO building ideas, STEM activities, and play ideas for active kids!